Pettitte: Clemens told him about his use of HGH

Former Astros teammate Andy Pettitte has offered the first testimony that Roger Clemens lied about the use of human growth hormone.

Pettitte, one of the star witnesses for the prosecution in the retrial of Clemens, recalled a conversation in 1999 or 2000 while working out at Clemens’ home in Houston.

“Roger had mentioned to me that he had taken HGH and that it could help with recovery and that’s really all I remember about the conversation,” Pettitte testified under questioning by prosecutor Steve Durham.

Clemens has denied ever using HGH and steroids.

Clemens, 49, faces six felony counts of lying to Congress during sworn testimony in 2008 where the seven-time Cy Young Award winner denied using performance enhancing drugs during a 24-season career with four teams including the Houston Astros.

Clemens could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine if convicted on all six charges.

Under questioning by Durham, Pettitte admitted about his own use of HGH in 2002 after injuring his left elbow. Pettitte previously has made that admission.

“I heard it would help strength tendons and ligaments,” Pettitte said. “My elbow was strained that’s why I started using it.”

He also admitted to using the drug again in 2004 after a second elbow injury during the first game of the season.

Pettitte said he injected himself twice in one day ”just out of desperation” and did not try the drug again.

“I wish I never would have,” Pettitte said of his use of HGH. “…I wouldn’t want kids to do it.”